Undefeated dance team
hosts section tourney Feb. 6

Undefeated Two Rivers dance team hosts section tourney Feb. 6
By Jake Spitzack | Staff Writer | February 2026

Coming off yet another successful conference season, Two Rivers varsity dance team is poised to defend its crown at the 3AAA section tournament, held Feb. 6 at the high school. The varsity, junior varsity and B-squad were all undefeated this season in both Kick and Jazz. Each was undefeated last season as well, with the only loss coming to the varsity team at the state tournament at which they placed 10th in both styles. Head coach of 21 years Molly Engle was named section coach last year and is eager to see this year’s team put forth their most refined performances of the season and punch their ticket to the state tournament.

“I was just honored beyond belief to receive that acknowledgement,” said Engle of the coaching award. “It meant the world to me. We had an outstanding year last year, which was an accumulation of work with both Liv (Tikalosky) and Katelyn (Hendrickson), our exceptional choreographers. We put together these dances that just resonated with the judges and the audience and we worked super hard on our technique, so that recognition was just outstanding for us and for me to receive. I’m very appreciative of that.”

Hendrickson and Tikalosky have been assistant coaches at Two Rivers for four years and Sarah Barie joined their ranks this year. This year’s team is loaded with freshmen and sophomores but Engle is nonetheless optimistic they will place well at both sections and the state tournament. Varsity has about 20 dancers across Kick and Jazz. Both events are scored by judges based on skills demonstrated, choreography, difficulty, execution and the overall routine, and some criteria have subcategories such as timing, creativity and proper demeanor. No props are allowed.

This year marked the Two Rivers dance program’s 18th conference championship, and last year was the highest they’ve placed at the state tournament, which features 12 teams. Engle attributes the program’s longstanding success to combined coaching strategies, and an increased emphasis on strength and conditioning training, especially over the past five seasons. With six teams at the school, students can get constant experience in both Kick and Jazz, whether they’re on B-squad for one and varsity for the other, or a different mix. About 45 students are participating this year – 70 is the most Engle has seen.

Engle has professional dance experience, including as a dance squad member for the Minnesota Timberwolves and choreographer for the Minnesota Vikings cheerleaders. For the past 15 years she has also worked in the ISD 197 district office as an administrative specialist in special education. She said her dancers have had success in many different fields after graduation and they often tell her that being a student athlete taught them the hard work ethic and organizational skills needed to reach their professional goals.

“As competitive as we are, it’s also a very positive nurturing environment for these kids to be in,” said Engle. “They work hard because they want to work hard, and the leadership through example among the seniors has been just a
great experience…. A lot of these kids won’t dance [competitively] ever again after they graduate or after the state tournament, and I know that, so I try to teach them some life skills that will get them through life and be successful. I’m really proud that the program has actually done that.”

For more information, visit trwarriors.com/dance.